Create a sense of inner calm by building mindfulness into your beauty regime
The concept of mindfulness is all about being fully present in a moment of time, aware of where you are and what you’re doing, without being reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you.
And it’s more than just a buzzword: building mindfulness into your beauty routine could be the key to making you feel fantastic, as well as looking good.
Try these simple exercises – with some of Dermalogica’s hero products – to see how it works.
Present cleansing
As you work through your daily cleansing routine, focus completely on what you’re doing, rather than letting your mind wander aimlessly as you cleanse, tone and moisturise.
As you gently cleanse, think about the dirt and grime of the day leaving your skin to reveal the fresh and fabulous complexion underneath. Allow yourself time to enjoy the sensation of applying your toner; think about how cool and rejuvenating it feels as it makes contact with your skin; focus completely on the gentle tingles and little waves of cool – then the cocooning comfort as it begins to warm up.
As you massage in your moisturiser, concentrate completely on the movements of your hands, then fingertips, as you trace your cheekbones, forehead and jawline before applying gentle pressure to your nose, ears and cheeks.
The more you practice your mindfulness, the more you’ll feel the same sense of indulgent and renewing calm you’ve usually only experienced at the hands of a beauty therapist.
Hero products:
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser
Dermalogica Multi Active Toner
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
Masque of meditation
A facial masque is probably the product that lends itself most perfectly to mindfulness and meditation: even the busiest minds are calmed when you apply an indulgent product, lay back on the sofa and relax as that masque goes to work.
Ban yourself from even looking at your phone during this time. Allow yourself to be completely in the moment and try to push distracting thoughts from your mind. Breathe deeply, enjoy the feeling of the masque on your skin, take in its uplifting aromas and tune in to the sounds around you, wherever you are.
Hero product: Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Blissful bath time
Soaking in the tub lends itself well to mindfulness – but avoid meditating in the bath, particularly if you feel sleepy (always put your safety first!)
Mindfulness can help you to really enjoy your bath by simply focusing on your senses in the moment and how your body feels in the water.
As you soak, look at the patterns on the surface of the water: make ripples and watch them grow. Look at the way the water moves around your body and think about the way it feels on your skin, listening to the gentle, swishing sounds it makes if you even move your body an inch.
Now lather your body with a body wash, close your eyes and think about the different scents you can smell; lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus – choose your favourite fragrance and focus on it.
Allow yourself to remain for a while, indulging your senses and really appreciating the moment.
Hero product: Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash
Sleep soundly
Simple mindfulness exercises in the evening can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
Breathe deeply as you take off your make-up and apply your night cream, savouring the process of slipping into clean pyjamas and soft covers.
Once you’re in bed, put the events of your day behind you as you bring your attention into the present. Gradually flex and hold your muscles, starting with toes, then your calves, thighs, bottom, back, shoulders, neck and finally face, breathing deeply as you go and getting closer to a wonderful night’s sleep with each inhalation.
Hero product: Dermalogica’s Sleep Sound Cocoon
